The Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace & Royal Mile
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a tour of Edinburgh’s old Town and its royal highlights in 5 hours. The tour includes tickets to Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is a small-group activity.
At Edinburgh Castle you will see the Honours of Scotland and hear the stories behind Scotland’s kings and queens. Walk the Royal Mile with a local guide and discover the historic highlights of the medieval heart of Edinburgh. The tour will end at Holyroodhouse, the monarch’s official residence in Scotland. You will visit the palace at your own pace using the audio guide, which is included in the price of the tour.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Edinburgh Castle
Our first stop is Edinburgh Castle, the fortress that crowns one of the seven hills of the city. We pass beneath the ancient portcullis into a realm of kings and queens, home to the Royal Palace and the Crown Room which houses the Honours of Scotland, our Crown Jewels. Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots and the birth of James VI, alongside fiery battles and bitter sieges that have helped to shape the fate of this nation. After the guided visit you can explore the castle’s interiors at your own pace. You will also have the opportunity to stop at a cafe for a break.
Victoria Street
Dedicated to Queen Victoria, Victoria Street is the most photographed street in Edinburgh, famed for its romantic architecture and sweeping curve. From the Castle we will stroll down to this very colourful thoroughfare, where quirky independent shops and vibrant facades line the way.
What‘s Included
Holyrood audioguide
Local Tour Guide
Holyrood Palace ticket
Edinburgh Castle ticket
Coffee and/or Tea
Tips
Public transportation
Options
The Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace & Royal Mile
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Well worth it!
H5683MQlaurenm,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and wonderful overview of Scottish history. Enjoyed the tour and the tour guide’s knowledge very much. Definitely recommend.
Royal mile and Castle tour
willmU4532WA,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is an amazing opportunity to travel through time and hear about the events that had happened within the castle and the outside as well
Great tour ☺️
15hayleya,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, thanks Mark. fun and informative despite the cold and fog very much enjoyed by us both. Highly recommended☺️
Great history tour
N4653KXhelenm,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mark was lovely, engaging and knowledgeable about Edinburgh in full. Would love to do Holyrood Palace when they include it.
Excellent tour with excellent guide
Vacation585494,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour and our guide Mark was excellent. Tonnes of history commentary throughout the tour by Mark. Good humour. Would recommend this tour!
Great tour! Highly recommend it.
K1469ZKrc,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I couldn’t recommend this tour highly enough. Our tour guide Mark was top class, very well informed and communicated all his knowledge in a fun and engaging way. I’ll be recommending this tour to any friends who are planning a trip to Edinburgh!
Great Tour, Mark was excellent so knowledgeable and fun!
sineadc630,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent Tour… interesting and fun brought to life so well by Mark our tour guide… who is extremely knowledgeable and had some great funny stories. We would highly recommend
Amazing tour
Y2370ZPanas,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience with this tour. The tour guide Mark was amazing, very interesting and entertaining. Would definitely recommend this in order to better understand the history and funny stories. Would do it again.
Good walking tour
amatthai,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mark is a great tour guide. Knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to hear over crowds. Learn brief history and he will provide overview of castle grounds.
Amazing experience with Mark the tour guide!
D Dominic c,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mark’s tour was full of detail and enthusiasm, bringing Edinburgh’s history to life with engaging stories, deep knowledge, and a genuine passion for the city
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Operated by Edinburgh Walking Tours